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Make Reading Your Constant Diet
“That box is probably too heavy for you.” She put a hand on my arm. “Let me get someone to help you lift it.” She motioned a teen boy over. “Mike, can you help Peter lift this box?” “Sure!” The teen boy bent down and picked up the box. “Where do you want it?” Oh goodness. What had been a trial for me to lift, the man-child hefted easily. “Over there.” My doctor had long been on my case to lift weights, and the incident was enough for me to hire a personal trainer to help me gain strength. I was excited and told the trainer I could spend two…
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Creating Together
This morning, as the last leaves rain from the trees, I’m viewing a fall combination of swirling, smoke-grey clouds across a deep blue sky, pierced by shafts of brilliant sunlight. The effect is a lovely collaboration of shifting, shimmering, dramatic low lights, highlights and shadows. Especially right now, in a world that can feel very divided, I like pondering the creative benefits of collaboration. As well, I’m finishing one novel and looking toward the next, which is half finished, and is a collaborative effort with another author. There are many good reasons to collaborate on a project. Beyond the exciting creative possibilities, as well as the possible doubling of our…
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Build the Heart of a Writer
On my property is a miniature barn. In the darkest corner, an old chest sits. If someone found the chest, the hinges would creak as they opened the lid. Inside are stacks of papers. Each document is covered in secret codes. Except they’re not codes. That’s my handwriting. Those pages record the secret paths to publication and writing success, all the information I gathered from writing conferences. In hindsight, the research wasn’t a hidden path, and the information didn’t give me writing success. I needed the information for context and scope. Through the conferences, I learned the language of the publishers. So, what is the secret to publication? What is your journey…
